"
"Now, you know, you're not hard to please," murmured Mme Lerat. "Why,
one would have only just enough to buy thread with. Four queens, my
dear."
It was ten minutes to four. Zoe was astonished, could not understand
why her mistress was out so long. Ordinarily when Madame found herself
obliged to go out in the afternoons she got it over in double-quick
time. But Mme Maloir declared that one didn't always manage things as
one wished. Truly, life was beset with obstacles, averred Mme Lerat. The
best course was to wait. If her niece was long in coming it was because
her occupations detained her; wasn't it so? Besides, they weren't
overworked--it was comfortable in the kitchen. And as hearts were out,
Mme Lerat threw down diamonds.
The bell began again, and when Zoe reappeared she was burning with
excitement.
"My children, it's fat Steiner!" she said in the doorway, lowering her
voice as she spoke. "I've put HIM in the little sitting room."
Thereupon Mme Maloir spoke about the banker to Mme Lerat, who knew no
such gentleman. Was he getting ready to give Rose Mignon the go-by? Zoe
shook her head; she knew a thing or two. But once more she had to go and
open the door.
"Here's bothers!" she murmured when she came back.
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